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'Critical' talks over NI impasse Brown call over justice impasse
(about 1 hour later)
Earnest efforts are being made to find a way through the policing and justice impasse, the Northern Ireland deputy first minister has said. It is vital Stormont politicans continue their work on devolving justice powers to Northern Ireland, Prime Minister Gordon Brown has said.
Martin McGuinness said critical discussions were taking place and he would not be drawn on the detail. He said the British and Irish governments would do whatever it took to support their efforts.
Mr Brown was speaking after meeting Brian Cowen to discuss progress on the devolution of the powers.
Earlier, the NI deputy first minister said "earnest efforts" were being made to find a way through the impasse.
The talks between Gordon Brown and Brian Cowen in London come as speculation mounts that agreement between the DUP and Sinn Fein on the issue could be closer.
Mr Cowen said the outstanding issues were ready for agreement and resolution and it was time for the Executive and the Assembly to act.
On Thursday, Martin McGuinness said critical discussions were taking place and he would not be drawn on the detail.
He refused to comment on speculation that the parades issue was one of the major stumbling blocks.He refused to comment on speculation that the parades issue was one of the major stumbling blocks.
The British and Irish prime ministers are meeting to discuss progress on the devolution of the powers. Meanwhile, SDLP leader Mark Durkan said it seemed that "a humbler DUP" had found "a clearer perspective" on the devolution of justice and policing.
Speaking in Londonderry on Thursday, Mr McGuinness also said he was "disgusted" at some of the media coverage of the Iris Robinson story. Speaking after a meeting with Mr McGuinness, Mr Durkan said that the issue now is "how decisive they will be about delivering completion."
He said everyone should be showing Mrs Robinson compassion given that her family had confirmed she was suffering from a mental illness. He added that the SDLP will not be "making it harder for any party to do the right thing from here and now."
Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams is also due to brief a meeting of his party's officer board about the state of negotiations with the DUP. Martin McGuinness said critical discussions were taking place
The talks between Gordon Brown and Brian Cowen come as speculation mounts that agreement between the DUP and Sinn Fein on the issue could be closer. Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams is briefing a meeting of his party's officer board about the state of negotiations with the DUP.
The question of how to deal with Orange Order parades is believed to be a sticking point between the parties.The question of how to deal with Orange Order parades is believed to be a sticking point between the parties.
Sinn Fein is resisting DUP efforts to replace the Parades Commission.Sinn Fein is resisting DUP efforts to replace the Parades Commission.
The DUP wants an alternative way to adjudicate on contentious marches along the lines of interim proposals produced by a group headed by Lord Ashdown.The DUP wants an alternative way to adjudicate on contentious marches along the lines of interim proposals produced by a group headed by Lord Ashdown.
Position
It is thought the DUP and Sinn Fein could try to reach a compromise position or agree to resolve the issue at a future date.It is thought the DUP and Sinn Fein could try to reach a compromise position or agree to resolve the issue at a future date.
Alliance Party leader David Ford held talks with the DUP on Wednesday, a meeting which he described as "positive and useful".Alliance Party leader David Ford held talks with the DUP on Wednesday, a meeting which he described as "positive and useful".
However, he added there was "clearly still a lot of work to be done" before an agreement on policing and justice could be reached.However, he added there was "clearly still a lot of work to be done" before an agreement on policing and justice could be reached.
Mr Ford said those members of the DUP who wanted devolution of the powers postponed for a number of months simply did not understand the reality of the situation in Northern Ireland.
Earlier this week, Northern Ireland Secretary Shaun Woodward urged unionists to reach a deal, saying the lack of agreement had created a "vacuum" which was being exploited by dissident republicans.
Sinn Fein has warned in recent weeks that progress needs to be made quickly or the power-sharing government could collapse.Sinn Fein has warned in recent weeks that progress needs to be made quickly or the power-sharing government could collapse.
Meanwhile, acting First Minister Arlene Foster is to meet Ulster Unionist leader Sir Reg Empey, who has warned the DUP not to do a deal under duress in the wake of the Iris Robinson affair.Meanwhile, acting First Minister Arlene Foster is to meet Ulster Unionist leader Sir Reg Empey, who has warned the DUP not to do a deal under duress in the wake of the Iris Robinson affair.
Ms Foster is also due to co-chair her first executive meeting.Ms Foster is also due to co-chair her first executive meeting.